The notion that, when used correctly, choke chains, prong collars and shock collars are good options, is common. We only need to take a look around social media to see these arguments raging on a daily basis. Aren't we all just animal lovers trying to do the best for our pets? On the whole, yes, … Continue reading Are choke chains, prong collars and shock collars okay if used correctly?
Category: Other
Scatter Feeding: Are you killing your dog?
I recently read that scatter feeding (scattering food around) is a bizarre fad that will teach your dog to eat everything they find and possibly kill them. So here’s what I think. I understand that this conclusion can easily be arrived at, “scatter food and they’ll eat anything on the ground”. However, let’s take a … Continue reading Scatter Feeding: Are you killing your dog?
Contrafreeloading: Why animals may prefer to work for food
We see the argument put forward frequently that our dogs actually prefer to work for food rather than getting food for free. At first look, this seems illogical. Why would any animal choose a path of work and effort rather than a path of freebies? Foraging, hunting, and seeking are innate behaviours which are … Continue reading Contrafreeloading: Why animals may prefer to work for food
Extinction, really? is it?
I tend to struggle with the concept of behavioural extinction. Despite its place in many textbooks and journals, it doesn't sit well in my mind. A note for the non training theory geeks: In this context, punishment simply means to reduce the likelihood of something reoccurring, negative means to take something away, and environment refers … Continue reading Extinction, really? is it?
Do dogs feel guilt?
There has long been discussion over the ability of dogs to feel guilt, but what is guilt? Guilt is a feeling of regret that you have acted in a way which doesn't fit your morals and goes against your own ethical values. Ethical and moral values are constantly changing along with society. For example, particular … Continue reading Do dogs feel guilt?
Should we allow animals to say NO?
If we are asking an animal to do something then we generally expect them to do it. There's a really strong feeling (and I'm not only talking of aversive trainers) that humans are in charge and animals have to do as we say. I argue that it doesn't have to be this way. I first … Continue reading Should we allow animals to say NO?
WOULD YOU USE HOMEOPATHY ON YOUR PETS?
Pet owners may be attracted to the use of homeopathy as a natural alternative to conventional treatments. The lack of side effects compared to the possible side effects of modern medicines is indeed appealing. Practitioners of homeopathy believe that particular substances, when repeatedly diluted, may be used to treat the underlying cause of particular symptoms. … Continue reading WOULD YOU USE HOMEOPATHY ON YOUR PETS?
Do dogs hump to show dominance?
Humping ----------------- I don't know much But I'll have a go At explaining humping Just so that you know ------------------ It could simply be Related to play Or so I've heard The experts say ------------------ Or is it hormones Raging high? Attracting Fido To your thigh ------------------ Maybe just his way To confess That he … Continue reading Do dogs hump to show dominance?
The most beneficial thing you can do for your dog
Why is there often conflict, confusion, or frustration in the dog-human relationship? Whether it's training, husbandry, enrichment activities or just going for a walk, we are often entirely focused on the human perspective, we generally go about these tasks with our entire focus on what we want. We want to keep walking so we pull the dog away … Continue reading The most beneficial thing you can do for your dog
Dying For a Walk
I'm sitting at home working on my dissertation literature review. I've hit a brick wall, I don't know how to develop the current argument. Time for a break and in my house, that normally means going for a walk. Harnesses on, leads on, and off we go. It's dark outside so I'm just doing a lead … Continue reading Dying For a Walk